Antiseptic cap

ABSTRACT

An antiseptic dead-end cap includes a base having first and second sides, a first annular wall extending from the first side of the base, a cylindrical center plug extending from the first side of the base, and a second annular wall extending from the second side of the base. The first annular wall has an outer and an inner surface. The cylindrical center plug has an outer and an inner surface, and is positioned within the first annular wall to form an annular chamber. The second annular wall has an outer and an inner surface, and defines a second chamber having an open end. The second chamber is further defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical center plug. An antiseptic material is on at least one of the first annular wall inner surface, second annular wall inner surface, second annular wall outer surface, and cylindrical center plug outer surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/113,777, filed on May 23, 2011, the entire disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an antiseptic cap, and moreparticularly, to an antiseptic dead-end cap for a medical connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Catheters are widely used to treat patients requiring a variety ofmedical procedures. Catheters can either be acute, or temporary, forshort-term use or chronic for long-term treatment. Catheters arecommonly introduced into central veins (such as the vena cava) fromperipheral vein sites to provide access to a patient's vascular system.

In an IV dispensing system, a luer connector, e.g., a male luerconnector, can have a first end and a second end. The first end of themale luer connector can be connected to a fluid line that is connectedto a fluid source, such as an IV bag filled with fluid. The second endof the male luer connector can be removably attached to a first end of afemale needleless luer connector. The second end of the femaleneedleless luer connector can be attached to a catheter that has beenintroduced into a patient.

When the male luer connector and the female needleless luer connectorare attached to each other, fluid from the IV bag can flow into thepatient. These connectors are often separated from each other at varioustimes, for example, when a patient needs to use restroom facilities.When the connectors are disengaged from each other, the connectors areexposed and are prone to contamination. Current procedures to reducecontamination of the connectors involve swabbing the connectors with adisinfection. These procedures are prone to human error and are oftennot implemented. Furthermore, when a male luer connector is disengagedfrom a female needleless connector, there is no standard manner in whichto store and protect the male luer connector until it is reattached tothe female connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an antiseptic dead-end cap for use witha connector that includes a base having first and second sides, a firstannular wall extending from the first side of the base, a cylindricalcenter plug extending from the first side of the base, and a secondannular wall extending from the second side of the base. The firstannular wall has an outer surface and an inner surface. The cylindricalcenter plug has an outer surface and an inner surface, and is positionedwithin the first annular wall to form an annular chamber. The secondannular wall has an outer surface and an inner surface, and defines asecond chamber having an open end. An antiseptic material is on at leastone of the inner surface of the first annular wall, the inner surface ofthe second annular wall, the outer surface of the second annular wall,and the outer surface of the cylindrical center plug.

The present invention further relates to an antiseptic dead-end cap foruse with a connector that includes a base having first and second sides,a male connector portion extending from the first side of the base andconfigured to be connectable to a female luer, and a female connectorportion extending from the second side of the base and configured to beconnectable to a male luer. An antiseptic material is on at least aportion of the male luer connector portion or the female luer connectorportion.

In some aspects, the male connector portion includes a first annularwall extending from the first side of the base and having an outersurface and an inner surface, and a cylindrical center plug extendingfrom the first side of the base. The cylindrical center plug has anouter surface and an inner surface, and is positioned within the firstannular wall to form an annular chamber. In such aspects, the femaleconnector portion includes a second annular wall extending from thesecond side of the base, has an outer surface and an inner surface, anddefines a second chamber having an open end.

In some aspects, the antiseptic material is a metal, while in otheraspects, the antiseptic material can be an alcohol.

In other aspects, the first annular wall includes one or more threads.In still another aspect, the second annular wall includes one or morethreads.

In yet another aspect, the antiseptic material is formed in at least oneof the inner surface of the first annular wall, the inner surface of thesecond annular wall, the outer surface of the second annular wall, andthe outer surface of the cylindrical center plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference ismade to the following Detailed Description of the Invention, consideredin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an antiseptic cap assembly engagedto a luer connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sealed antiseptic cap assembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the antiseptic capassembly of FIG. 1 and a luer connector;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the antiseptic cap assembly of FIG. 1engaged to a luer connector;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a cap has an outer wall;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein the cap includes a center insert;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein the cap includes a center plug;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a cap holder includes an inner-facing flange;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a center plug is provided and the cap holder includes aninner-facing flange;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a cap includes an annular portion without threads;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assemblythat includes an antiseptic chamber;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the antiseptic cap assembly shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a cap holder includes retainers;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines 14-14 andlooking in the direction of the arrows, of the antiseptic cap assemblyshown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines 15-15, ofthe antiseptic cap assembly shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assemblythat includes a ratchet assembly;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the antiseptic cap assembly shown in FIG.16 and a luer connector;

FIG. 18 is a partially cut away perspective view of the antiseptic capassembly shown in FIG. 16 showing the ratchet assembly;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an antiseptic cap assembly withouta cap holder;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the antiseptic cap assembly ofFIG. 19 having hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a cap holder has a flange with a recess for receiving a line;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an antiseptic cap assembly,wherein a plug is supported by an arm;

FIGS. 23-27 are perspective views showing an antiseptic cap assemblywith various fastening mechanisms;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an antiseptic dead-end cap;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the antiseptic dead-end cap;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the antiseptic dead-end cap;

FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the antiseptic dead-end cap;

FIG. 32 is another perspective view of the antiseptic dead-end cap; and

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic dead-end cap of FIG.28 taken along line 33-33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an antiseptic cap assembly that engagesa male end of a luer connector. It should be understood, however, thatthe teachings herein can be used with other types of medical connectors.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an antiseptic cap assembly 10engaged to a luer connector 12. A proximal end 14 of the luer connector12 is attached to a fluid line 16 which is connected to a fluid source(not shown), such as a IV bag filled with fluid. The luer connector 12includes an annular threaded portion 18 with internal threads 20 and afrustoconical male luer 22 positioned for insertion into a female luerconnector (not shown). The male luer 22 includes a tip 26 having anopening 24 in fluid communication with the fluid line 16. The male luer22 is arranged substantially concentrically within the threaded portion18. As a result of their generally coaxial arrangement, the male luer 22and the threaded portion 18 cooperate to form an annular spacetherebetween.

The antiseptic cap assembly 10 includes a cap holder 28 and a cap 30sized to be positioned within the cap holder 28. The cap 30 includes abase 32 and an annular threaded portion 34 extending from the base 32.The base 32 could include a substantially flat surface 36 and an outerflange 38.

The threaded portion 34 of the cap 30 includes a rim 40 that defines anopen end 42 (see FIG. 3). The base 32 closes the opposite end of thethreaded portion 34. The threaded portion 34 could be formed with atapered inner surface 46 that compliments the male luer 22 of the luerconnector 12. In particular, the tapered inner surface 46 narrows fromthe rim 40 toward the base 32. The threaded portion 34 defines a chamber48 (see FIG. 3) sized to receive the male luer 22. The threaded portion34 includes external threads 50 for engaging the threads 20 of the luerconnector 12. The external threads 50 and the threads 20 of the luerconnector 12 cooperate with each other so as to allow the cap 30 to besecurely threadedly connected to the luer connector 12 and also to allowrelative movement between the cap 30 and the luer connector 12, as thecap 30 is rotated relative to the luer connector 12. The externalthreads 50 extend between the base 32 and the rim 40.

The configuration of the cap 30 is shown in perspective in FIG. 3. Itshould be noted that this configuration is exemplary. For example, thecap 30 could be configured without threads and sized to engage the luerconnector 12 with a push-on friction fit, as will be describedhereinafter.

The cap 30 could be made from an absorbent material. The cap 30 could bemade from porous plastic, for example, a medical grade sintered porousplastic material which is available from Porex Corporation, based inFairburn, Ga. Other suitable manufacturers of the porous plasticmaterial include Filtrona, Genpore, and Thermopore. It is desirable thatthe material can absorb and retain a fluid such as an antiseptic fluid.It is also desirable that the material is sufficiently rigid to maintainits structure. It is also desirable that the material is compressibleand that the absorbed fluid is released on compression. The porousplastic material could be made of any suitable polymer, such aspolyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc.

The use of the porous plastic material is only exemplary. It will beunderstood that the cap 30 could be made from any other suitablematerial, such as bonded fiber, cotton, silicone, urethane, polyester,cellulose, etc. The material could be natural or synthetic.

The threaded portion 34 of the cap 30 could be coated or impregnatedwith an antiseptic fluid, an anticoagulant fluid, and/or anantimicrobial fluid. An example of a suitable antiseptic fluid isisopropyl alcohol. The concentration of the isopropyl alcohol couldvary, and is preferably 70% v/v. The concentration of alcohol could bein a range from 20% to 100%. It will be understand that other materialscould be used, such as other alcohols, including ethanol, propanol,and/or butanol, or iodine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate,chlorhexidine acetate, etc. The antiseptic, anticoagulant, and/orantimicrobial agent could be in liquid or solid form.

The cap holder 28 includes a cylindrically shaped sidewall 52 thatdefines a chamber 54 sized to receive the cap 30 and accommodate themale luer 22. The cap holder 28 could include an outer flange 56 thatprotrudes radially outwardly from a distal end 58 of the sidewall 52.The outer flange 56 defines an open end 60. The cap holder 28 couldinclude a substantially flat surface 62 that defines the opposite,closed end. The cap holder 28 could be made from a thermoplasticelastomer, such as the thermoplastic elastomer sold by ExxonMobil underthe trademark SANTOPRENE, or any other suitable material. The cap holder28 could be made from a more rigid material, such as a high-densitypolyethylene. The cap holder 28 and the cap 30 could be bonded to eachother, or attached to each other by any suitable method, such as byadhesive or by molding.

When the cap 30 is attached to the cap holder 28, a gap 64 may existbetween the flange 38 of the cap 30 and the cap holder 28, and betweenthe threaded portion 34 of the cap 30 and the cap holder 28. Also, thecap 30 is attached to the cap holder 28 such that the cap 30 rotatesconjointly with the cap holder 28.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cap holder 28 could be sealed with a material,such as a film 66, a foil material or lid stock material, which can beattached to the flange 56 by any suitable method such as by adhesive orby conductive or inductive heat sealing techniques. A pull tab 68 couldbe provided to facilitate removal of the film 66 to provide access tothe antiseptic cap 10.

Generally, the cap 30 may be hydrophobic. However, because thehydrophobic material could serve to inhibit or minimize an antisepticfluid, such as isopropyl alcohol, from passing through the cap 30, itmay be desirable to make at least a portion of the cap 30 hydrophilic.For example, it may be desirable to treat at least a portion of the cap30 with a hydrophilic surfactant. In this manner, the hydrophilicportion could allow the alcohol to pass therethrough, whereas thehydrophobic portion could serve to inhibit or minimize an antisepticfluid, such as isopropyl alcohol, from passing therethrough. In oneembodiment, the threaded portion 34 could be treated with a hydrophilicsurfactant whereas the base 32 could remain hydrophobic, so as to beresistant to an antiseptic fluid, such as alcohol. The hydrophobicsection could also act as a plug to prevent IV fluid from leakingthrough the tubing to go past the cap 30.

Referring to FIG. 1, the antiseptic cap assembly 10 is shown attached tothe luer connector 12 such that the threaded portion 34 of the cap 30mates with the threads 20 of the luer connector 12 and the base 32 ispositioned adjacent the opening 24 of the male luer 22. Also, in thisposition, the inner surface 46 of the threaded portion 34 is adjacentthe male luer 22 and the male luer 22 compresses the cap 30 to releaseat least a portion of the antiseptic fluid to disinfect the luerconnector 12. The antiseptic cap assembly 10 can be allowed to remainattached to the luer connector 12 for any suitable period of time. Whenthe antiseptic cap assembly 10 is attached to the luer connector 12, asshown in the perspective view of FIG. 4, the luer connector 12 isexposed to the antiseptic fluid.

The cap holder 28 could be configured to remain on the cap 30 after theantiseptic cap assembly 10 engages the luer connector 12. Alternatively,the cap holder 28 could be configured to be removably attached to thecap 30. For example, the cap holder 28 could be removed from the cap 30after the antiseptic cap assembly 10 engages the luer connector 12.

FIG. 5 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 110,that is sized to engage and disinfect the male luer 22. The antisepticcap assembly 110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent withthe antiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless statedotherwise. Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic capassembly 110 includes a cap holder 128 and a cap 130 sized to bepositioned within the cap holder 128.

Cap 130 includes an annular sidewall 111 extending from an outer flange138 and substantially concentric with the threaded portion 134. When thecap holder 128 is used, the annular sidewall 111 is positioned proximatean outer surface of the cap holder 12. When the antiseptic cap assembly110 is attached to the luer connector 12, the annular sidewall 111 bearsagainst the outer surface of the threaded portion 18 of the luerconnector 12. The annular sidewall 111 can be made from porous plasticlike the remainder of the cap 130 or any other suitable material. Theannular sidewall 111 covers and protects the outer surface of thethreaded portion 18 of the luer connector 12. The annular sidewall 111may contain antiseptic fluid and release at least a portion of anantiseptic fluid.

FIG. 6 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 210,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 210 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 210includes a cap holder 228 and a cap 230 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 228.

Cap 230 includes a center insert 211 that is integrally connectedtherewith. Alternatively, the cap 230 and the center insert 211 could beseparate components. The center insert 211 may be made from porousplastic like the remainder of the cap 230 or any other suitablematerial, and may contain antiseptic fluid and release at least aportion of an antiseptic fluid. The center insert 211 could be treatedwith a hydrophilic surfactant, or otherwise made hydrophilic.

The center insert 211 protrudes from a base 232 of the cap 230 and ispositioned within a threaded portion 234 of the cap 230. The centerinsert 211 has a distal end 213 that may have angled edges 215, therebygiving the center insert 211 a generally trapezoidal shape. The centerinsert 211 could define other shapes such as conical, square, rectangle,etc.

When the cap 230 is attached to a luer connector 12, the center insert211 is positioned within the opening 24 formed in the male luer 22 andallows the antiseptic fluid to enter the male luer 22 to apply theantiseptic fluid to the inner tip 26 of the male luer 22.

FIG. 7 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 310,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 310 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 310includes a cap holder 328 and a cap 330 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 328.

A sealing mechanism, such as a center plug 311, is sized to extend froma base 332 of the cap 330 and is sized to be positioned within thethreaded portion 334 of the cap 330. The cap 330 and the center plug 311could be separate components as shown or, alternatively, the cap 330 andthe center plug 311 could be integrally formed. Alternatively, thecenter plug 311 could be an extension of the cap holder 328 molded in.

The center plug 311 has a distal end 313 that may have angled edges 315,thereby giving the center plug 311 a generally trapezoidal shape. Thecenter plug 311 could define other shapes such as conical, square,rectangle, etc.

The center plug 311 bears against the opening 24 formed in the male luer22 to prevent the antiseptic fluid from entering the male luer 22. Thecenter plug 311 extends a distance from the base 332 sufficient toengage the opening 24 in the male luer 22 before the threaded portion334 of the cap 330 is compressed by the male luer 22, to seal theopening 24 in the male luer 22.

The center plug 311 could be made of a non-porous material, such asrubber, or any other suitable material. The center plug 311 could bemade of porous plastic and left in a hydrophobic state, i.e., nottreated with a surfactant like the threaded portion 334 of the cap 330,thereby inhibiting or minimizing antiseptic fluid from passingtherethrough and into the opening 24 formed in the male luer 22. In thismanner, the center plug 311 serves to limit or prevent alcohol fromentering the fluid line 316 of the luer connector 312. Also the centerplug 311 could act as a plug to prevent IV fluid from dripping out ofthe line.

The configuration of the sealing mechanism is only exemplary. It will beunderstood that the present invention could employ other sealingmechanisms. For example, the sealing mechanism could be a center pin(not shown) sized to extend further into the opening 24 formed in themale luer 22 than the center plug 311. The center plug 311 may extendpast the threads on the threaded portion 324 and inserted prior tothread engagement.

FIG. 8 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 410,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 410 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 410includes a cap holder 428 and a cap 430 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 428.

The cap holder 428 includes an inner-facing flange 411 that may form aprotective seal that closes off the interior of the cap holder 428 whenthe antiseptic cap assembly 410 is engaged to the luer connector 12. Theinner flange 411 extends radially inward from a distal end 458 of thesidewall 452 of the cap holder 428. When the antiseptic cap assembly 410is engaged to the luer connector 12, the inner-facing flange 411 of thecap holder 428 may contact the threaded portion 18 of the luer connector12 to seal the interior of the cap holder 428.

The inner-facing flange 411 of the cap holder 428 may provide a physicalbarrier to the ingress of pathogens, dust or other contaminants into thecap holder 428. The inner-facing flange 411 may serve to retain at leasta portion of the antiseptic fluid from the antiseptic cap assembly 410from leaking out. The inner-facing flange 411 may prevent evaporation ofat least a portion of the antiseptic fluid that is retained.

The configuration of the cap holder 428 could vary. For example, the capholder 428 could include an outer flange (not shown), such as the outerflange 56 (FIG. 1) that protrudes radially outwardly from the distal end458 of the sidewall 452, as well as the inner-facing flange 411 thatprotrudes radially inward from the distal end 458 of the sidewall 452.

FIG. 9 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 510,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 510 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 510includes a cap holder 528 and a cap 530 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 528.

The antiseptic cap assembly 510 includes a center plug 511, such as thecenter plug 311 shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the cap holder includes aninner-facing flange 513, such as the flange 411 shown in FIG. 8.

It should be understood that various features of various embodimentsdisclosed herein could be used together without departing from thespirit or scope of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 610,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 610 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 610includes a cap holder 628 and a cap 630 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 628.

The cap 630 includes an annular portion 611 extending from a base 632.The annular portion 611 is configured without threads but is sized toengage the luer connector 12 with a push-on friction fit. The antisepticcap assembly 610 could be removed by pulling out of the luer connector12.

The annular portion 611 of the cap 630 could be configured such that theinner surface contacts the male luer 22 and is compressed by the maleluer 22 to release antiseptic fluid when the cap 630 is pushed on to themale luer 22. The outer surface of the annular portion 611 could alsocontact against the inner threads 18 of the threaded portion 18 of themale luer 22 and could also release antiseptic fluid on this side.Alternatively, the annular portion 611 could be configured to avoidcontact with the threads 20 of the luer connector 12. The annularportion 611 does not need to be tapered as shown.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as710, that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. Theantiseptic cap assembly 710 operates and is constructed in mannersconsistent with the antiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3,unless stated otherwise. The antiseptic cap assembly 710 includes anantiseptic chamber 715 and a cap 730.

The cap 730 includes an annular portion 711 extending from a base 732.The annular portion 711 is configured and sized to engage the luerconnector 12 with a push-on friction fit.

The antiseptic chamber 715 is attached to the base 732 of the cap 730and is formed by a continuous sidewall 713 and an end wall 723. Thesidewall 713 includes an inner flange 717 that extends radially inwardfrom the sidewall 713. The flange 717 defines an open end 721.

The base 732 of the cap 730 is keyed to the antiseptic chamber 715. Thebase 732 of the cap 730 is positioned within the antiseptic chamber 715such that the outer flange 738 of the base 732 is captured in theantiseptic chamber 715 by the inner flange 717 of the antiseptic chamber715 which extends over the base 732. The base 732 closes off thedisinfectant chamber 715 and the annular portion 711 of the cap 730 isin contact with the inner flange 717 of the antiseptic chamber 715. Thecap 730 could be attached to the antiseptic chamber 715 such that thecap 730 rotates conjointly with the antiseptic chamber 715. In oneembodiment, the base 732 of the cap 730 does not need to be keyed to theantiseptic chamber 715 in a push-on design.

The antiseptic chamber 715 can include an absorbent material 725, suchas a pad, sponge, or elastomeric foam, configured to retain anantiseptic fluid. The absorbent material 725 could be wetted or soakedwith the antiseptic fluid. The absorbent material 725 could bedeformable. The cap 730 could be made from a porous plastic materialthat serves as a carrier for the transfer of antiseptic fluid from thedisinfectant chamber 715. When the cap holder 728 is compressed, theabsorbent material 725 releases at least a portion of the antisepticfluid. The fluid can then flow through the base 732 and along theannular portion 711 to be delivered to the male luer 22. FIG. 12 shows aperspective view of the antiseptic cap assembly 710.

It will be understood that the present invention could employ othermechanisms that involve pushing on a component of an antiseptic capassembly to activate or release the antiseptic fluid.

FIGS. 13-15 show an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 810,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 810 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 810includes a cap holder 828 and a cap 830 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 828.

The cap 830 includes an annular portion 811 extending from a base 832.The annular portion 811 is configured without threads and sized toengage the luer connector 12 with a push-on friction fit. The antisepticcap assembly 810 could be removed by pulling out of the luer connector12.

The cap holder 828 includes retainers 813 that serve to retain or securethe cap 830 on the luer connector 12. The retainers 813 include a pairof shoulders 815, 817 that extend perpendicularly from opposite sides ofthe outer flange 856 of the cap holder 828 and a pair of arms 823, 825that extend radially inward from the shoulders 815, 817.

When the antiseptic cap assembly 810 is engaged to the luer connector12, the arms 823, 825 of the retainers 813 extend over the male luer 22to retain the cap 830. The retainers 813 could be made from athermoplastic elastomer, such as SANTOPRENE, or any other suitablematerial. The retainers 813 could be made from a flexible material.

The cap holder 828 may include gripping areas defined by a recessedportion 827 (FIGS. 13 and 15) and a recessed portion 829 (FIGS. 13 and15) on opposite sides of the outer sidewall 852. The recessed portions827, 829 are configured for gripping the cap 830 to attach the cap 830to the male luer 22.

FIGS. 16-18 show an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 910,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 910 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 910includes a cap holder 928 and a cap 930 inserted within the cap holder928. This embodiment includes a mechanism to prevent overtightening ofthe cap 930 on the male luer 22 which could damage the male luer 22.This is addressed with a ratchet assembly.

The cap 930 includes a base 932 and an annular threaded portion 934extending from the base 932. The base 932 includes an outer flange 938with a plurality of teeth 911 (see FIGS. 17 and 18), along the outerperimeter that allows for rotation in only one direction. Alternatively,it could be configured to allow for rotation in both directions byangling both surfaces of the teeth. The teeth 911 have angled faces 912and generally perpendicular faces 914.

The cap holder 928 includes a retaining mechanism for retaining the cap930 in the cap holder 928. The retaining mechanism could include a firstprotrusion 913 that extends from one section of the sidewall 952 of thecap holder 928, and a second protrusion 915 that extends from anopposite section of the sidewall 952 of the cap holder 928. The firstand second protrusions 913, 915 are configured to extend over the base932 of the cap 930. Alternatively, the retaining mechanism could includea single ring around the interior of the cap holder 928.

The cap holder 928 includes a plurality of teeth 917 that mate with theteeth 911 to form a ratchet mechanism. The teeth 917 interact with theteeth 911 to allow the cap 930 to rotate in the cap holder 928 in onlyone direction, and have angled faces 916 and generally perpendicularfaces 918, like the teeth 911 of the base 932. Alternatively, it couldbe configured to allow for rotation in both directions.

The ratchet mechanism provides an audible or a tactile feedback toindicate that the antiseptic cap assembly 910 is properly secured. Also,the ratchet mechanism could limit torque to prevent damage to the luerconnector 12 or to the cap 930. The cap 930 is threaded on the male luer22 in accordance with other embodiments of the cap 930. If the cap 930is turned beyond the limit of the threads, instead of damaging the maleluer 22, the cap 930 will slide with respect to the cap holder 928, theangled teeth 911, 917 of the base 932 of the cap 930 and the cap holder930 respectively sliding past one another to prevent further tighteningof the cap 930 onto the male luer 22. When removing the cap 930 from themale luer 22, the generally perpendicular faces 914, 918 engage and donot permit sliding.

FIG. 19 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 1010,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 1010 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.

The cap 1030 is used without a cap holder. The cap 1030 includes a base1032 and an annular threaded portion 1034 extending from the base 1032.Antiseptic fluid can be associated with the interior surface of theannular threaded portion 1034.

The configuration of the cap 1030 is only exemplary. For example, thecap 1030 could be configured without threads and sized to engage theluer connector 12 with a push-on friction fit. Likewise, the cap 1030could also include a sidewall, like that shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 20 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 1110,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer. The antiseptic capassembly 1110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 1010 shown in FIG. 18, unless stated otherwise.

At least a portion of the cap 1130 could be treated with a hydrophilicsurfactant, or otherwise made hydrophilic. The threaded portion 1134could be treated with a hydrophilic surfactant whereas the base 1132could remain hydrophobic, so as to be resistant to and non-absorbent ofan antiseptic fluid.

A center plug 1111 could bear against the opening 24 formed in the maleluer 22 to prevent the antiseptic fluid from entering the male luer 22.The center plug 1111 could be made of porous plastic and left in ahydrophobic state, thereby inhibiting or minimizing antiseptic fluidfrom passing therethrough and into the opening 24 formed in the maleluer 22. The hydrophobic section could also act as a plug in the IV lineto preventingress of antiseptic fluid or to stop leakage of IV fluid.

FIG. 21 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 1210,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer 22. The antiseptic capassembly 1210 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless stated otherwise.

The cap holder 1228 has a notch 1211 in an outer flange 1256 that isconfigured to attached to a supporting surface, such as a fluid line1213. As shown, the cap holder 1228 has a plurality of ribs 1215extending along a sidewall 1252 from one end 1217 of the cap holder 1228to the opposite end 1219 of the cap holder 1228. The ribs 1215facilitate gripping of the cap holder 1228.

FIG. 22 shows an antiseptic cap assembly, indicated generally as 1310,that is sized to engage and disinfect a male luer. The antiseptic capassembly 1310 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, unless stated otherwise.Like the antiseptic cap assembly 10, the antiseptic cap assembly 1310includes a cap holder 1328 and a cap 1330 sized to be positioned withinthe cap holder 1328.

A sealing mechanism, such as a center plug 1311, is sized to extend fromthe cap holder 1328 through the base 1332 and is sized to be positionedwithin the threaded portion 1334 of the cap 1330. As such, the centerplug 1311 is made of a non-porous material such as SANTOPRENE, or anyother suitable material. In particular, the center plug 1311 includes anarm 1313 with one end 1315 extending from the base 1332, and a sphere1317 attached to an opposite end 1319 of the arm 1313. The sphere 1317is configured to bear against the opening 24 formed in the male luer 22to limit the distance that the antiseptic fluid can travel into the maleluer 22. Alternatively, the center plug 1311 could extend from the base1332 and be made of another material such as rubber. The sphere 1317could be replaced with a non-spherical device.

Any of the antiseptic cap assemblies 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610,710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, and 1310 disclosed herein could beconfigured to be removably attached to a suitable surface (not shown),such as a IV bag, IV pump, or IV pole, etc., for use. For example, inFIG. 23, the substantially flat surface 62 of the cap holder 28 includesa clip 80 sized to removeably secure the antiseptic cap assembly 10 to asupporting surface (not shown), such as a IV bag. In FIG. 24, a hook 82could be provided extending from the substantially flat surface 62 ofthe cap holder 28 and sized to removeably secure the antiseptic capassembly 10 to a supporting surface (not shown).

In FIG. 25, a horseshoe-shaped clip 84 could be provided extending fromthe substantially flat surface 62 of the cap holder 28 and sized toreleasably fasten an antiseptic cap assembly 10 to a supporting surface(not shown). The location of a fastening member could vary. For example,in FIG. 26, the sidewall 52 of the cap holder 28 includes a clip 86.

In FIG. 27, the end surface 62 of the cap holder 28 includes an adhesive88 that could be covered by a release sheet 89. The adhesive 88 could beused to attach the antiseptic cap assembly 10 to a supporting surface,such as a IV pole. A pull tab 90 could be provided to remove the releasesheet 89 to expose the adhesive 88.

Alternative fastening mechanisms could be provided. For example, theantiseptic cap assembly could include a ring (not shown).

The antiseptic cap assembly could be incorporated in kits with flushsyringes, caps for treating a catheter or needleless connector, and lineaccess devices, etc. The antiseptic fluid used could include ananticoagulant material, and/or an antimicrobial material. Examples ofantiseptic fluid that could be used are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/821,190, filed on Jun. 22, 2007, and12/214,526, filed on Jun. 19, 2008. The entire disclosures of U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 11/821,190 and 12/214,526 are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a multifunction antiseptic dead-end cap1410. The antiseptic dead-end cap 1410 includes a first portion 1412,e.g., a male connector portion, that connects to a female luer (notshown) and a second portion 1414, e.g., a female connector portion, thatconnects to a male luer (not shown). The male luer or the female luermay, respectively, be attached to a fluid source (not shown), such as anIV bag filled with fluid. For example, the male luer may be the maleluer 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3-27 and described with respectthereto.

As shown in FIGS. 28-33, the first portion 1412 includes a first annularwall 1416 extending from a base 1418. The first annular wall 1416includes one or more threads 1420 positioned on an interior wall of thefirst annular wall 1416. The threads 1420 of the first portion 1412 areconfigured to engage and cooperate with threads of a female luer toallow the dead-end cap 1410 to be securely threadedly connected to thefemale luer.

The first annular wall 1416 defines an open end 1422. The base 1418closes the opposite end of the first annular wall 1416. A cylindricalcenter plug 1430 extends from the base 1418 in the direction of thefirst annular wall 1416 and is closed by an end wall 1432. The firstannular wall 1416 and the cylindrical center plug 1430 are coaxial withone another and the cylindrical center plug 1430 is smaller in diameterthan the first annular wall 1416. The first annular wall 1416, the base1418, and the cylindrical center plug 1430 define a first chamber 1424that is annular, accessible by the open end 1422, and sized to receivethe female luer. When a female luer is inserted through the open end1422 of the first portion 1412, the cylindrical center plug 1430 and theend wall 1432 are inserted into a portion of the female luer.

The second portion 1414 includes a second annular wall 1426 extendingfrom the base 1418 opposite the direction of the first annular wall1416, and forms an internal shoulder 1428 with the base 1418. The secondannular wall 1426 has an open end 1434 and forms a second chamber 1436,while the cylindrical center plug 1430 and the end wall 1432 form athird chamber 1438. The second chamber 1436 and the third chamber 1438are in fluidic communication, and the second chamber 1436 is accessibleby the open end 1434. The second chamber 1436 is sized to receive a maleluer.

One or more threads 1440 are positioned on an exterior wall of thesecond annular wall 1426. The threads 1440 are configured to engage andcooperate with threads of a male luer connector, such as luer connector12 shown in FIG. 1. The threads 1440 and the threads of the male luerconnector cooperate with each other so as to allow the dead-end cap 1410to be securely threadedly connected to the male luer connector. Thedead-end cap 1410 may include a plurality of external ridges 1442provided on the first portion 1412 to facilitate gripping of thedead-end cap 1410 during handling and connecting with a connector.

Using the male luer connector 12 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, when themale luer connector 12 engages the second portion 1414, the male luer 22of the male luer connector 12 is inserted into the open end 1434 andinto the second chamber 1436. As the threads 20 of the male luerconnector 12 engage the threads 1440 of the second portion 1414, themale luer 22 traverses further into the second chamber 1436 and maytraverse into the third chamber 1428. The second annular wall 1426 couldbe formed with a tapered shape that compliments the male luer 22 of theluer connector 12. In such a configuration, the second annular wall 1426may narrow from the open end 1434 to the base 1418.

As mentioned above, the antiseptic dead-end cap 1410 has a dualoperability wherein it is configured to not only attach to a male luerconnector, but also a female luer connector. Generally, a female luerconnector can include a circumferential wall that defines a chamber andhas external threads. When attaching the dead-end cap 1410 to a femaleluer connector, the circumferential wall of the female luer connector isinserted through the open end 1422 and into the first chamber 1424, suchthat the cylindrical center plug 1420 is inserted into thecircumferential wall of the female luer connector. The dead-end cap 1410can be twisted so that the one or more threads 1420 engage the femaleluer connector, securing the dead-end cap 1410 with the female luerconnector.

FIG. 33 is a cross-section of the multifunction antiseptic dead-end cap1410 of FIG. 28 taken along line 33-33. FIG. 33 shows the configurationof the dead-end cap 1410 in greater detail. It should be noted that thisconfiguration is exemplary. For example, the dead-end cap 1410 could beconfigured without the first portion threads 1420 and/or the secondportion threads 1440. In such a configuration, the first annular wall1416 and the cylindrical center plug 1430 may be sized to engage afemale luer connector with a push-on friction fit. Similarly, the secondannular wall 1426 may be sized to engage a male luer connector with apush-on friction fit.

The dead-end cap 1410 functions to cap a male luer connector and/or afemale luer connector so that fluid does not leak from a fluid source.The dead-end cap 1410 may be used for a temporary disconnect of male andfemale luers so that they do not warrant disposal.

While the antiseptic cap disclosed herein includes male and femaleconnector portions, it could also be provided having just a male or justa female portion. In an arrangement where the antiseptic dead-end cap1420 includes only a male connector portion, the dead-end cap 1420 couldinclude the base 1418, the first annular wall 1416 extending from thebase 1418, the cylindrical center plug 1430 extending from the base 1418in the direction of the first annular wall 1416 and closed by the endwall 1432, and the plurality of threads 1420. The second annular wall1426, and the female side of the cap can be eliminated. In anarrangement where the antiseptic dead-end cap 1420 includes only afemale connector portion, the dead-end cap 1420 could include the base1418, the second annular wall 1426 and the threads 1440, with the base1418 and the second annular wall 1426 defining the second chamber 1436.The first annular wall 1416, and the cylindrical center plug 1430 couldbe eliminated.

Portions of the antiseptic dead-end cap 1410, such as an inner surfaceof the first annular wall 1416, the plurality of threads 1420, an outersurface of the second annular wall 1426, an inner surface of the secondannular wall 1426, and the second portion threads 1440, could be coatedor impregnated with an antiseptic fluid, an anticoagulant fluid, and/oran antimicrobial fluid. An example of a suitable antiseptic fluid isisopropyl alcohol. The concentration of the isopropyl alcohol couldvary, and is preferably 70%. The concentration of alcohol could be in arange from 20% to 100%. It will be understand that other materials couldbe used, such as other alcohols, including ethanol, propanol, and/orbutanol, or iodine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate,chlorhexidine acetate, etc. The antiseptic, anticoagulant, and/orantimicrobial agent could be in liquid or solid form.

The antiseptic dead-end cap 1410 may be constructed of a material havinga 40-60 durometer hardness value on a Shore A scale. The material may bea medium soft to medium hard rubber that is plyable and malleable forpurposes of engagement with a luer.

Antiseptic Coatings

It is contemplated that the devices described herein can be coated withan antiseptic coating by any suitable technique such as immersion of thepart into an antiseptic solution, by spray coating the part with theantiseptic solution, by blending the antiseptic solution or materialinto the polymeric material used to fabricate the device.

A quantity of physiological, antimicrobial metal compound is added tothe resin for direct molding of an article. Physiological, antimicrobialmetals are meant to include the precious metals, such as silver, goldand platinum, and copper and zinc. Physiological, antimicrobial metalcompounds used herein include oxides and salts of preferably silver andalso gold, for example: silver acetate, silver benzoate, silvercarbonate, silver citrate, silver chloride, silver iodide, silvernitrate, silver oxide, silver sulfa diazine, silver sulfate, goldchloride and gold oxide. Platinum compounds such as chloroplatinic acidor its salts (e.g., sodium and calcium chloroplatinate) may also beused. Also, compounds of copper and zinc may be used, for example:oxides and salts of copper and zinc such as those indicated above forsilver. Single physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds orcombinations of physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds may beused.

Preferred physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds used in thisinvention are silver acetate, silver oxide, silver sulfate, goldchloride and a combination of silver oxide and gold chloride. Theparticles of the silver compounds are sufficiently able to be extractedto form a zone of inhibition to prevent and kill bacteria growth.

In another preferred form of the invention the devices herein areimpregnated with triclosan and silver compounds or triclosan andchlorhexidine, or chlorhexidine gluconate, or chlorhexidine acetate.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merelyexemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variationsand modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. All such variations and modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antiseptic cap for use with a male luermedical connector, comprising: a base; an annular wall extending fromthe base, the annular wall comprising: a sintered porous plasticmaterial that is substantially rigid, compressible, and absorbent, anouter surface, and an inner surface, wherein the annular wall defines achamber having an open end and is configured to receive and becompressed by the male luer medical connector; and an antisepticmaterial retained within the sintered porous plastic material of theannular wall and configured to be released onto the outer surface of theannular wall and the inner surface of the annular wall when compressedby the male luer medical connector.
 2. The antiseptic cap of claim 1,wherein the antiseptic material comprises a metal.
 3. The antiseptic capof claim 2, wherein the metal is silver.
 4. The antiseptic cap of claim1, wherein the antiseptic material comprises an alcohol.
 5. Theantiseptic cap of claim 4, wherein the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. 6.The antiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the antiseptic material compriseschlorhexidine.
 7. The antiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the cap isformed of a material having a Shore A hardness in the range ofapproximately 40-60.
 8. The antiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein theannular wall includes one or more threads on the outer surface.
 9. Theantiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the annular wall is tapered such thatit narrows from the open end toward the base.
 10. The antiseptic cap ofclaim 1, wherein the antiseptic material is coated on at least a portionof the cap by immersion of the cap into an antiseptic solution.
 11. Theantiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the antiseptic material is coatedonto the cap by spray coating with an antiseptic solution.
 12. Theantiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the antiseptic material is formed inthe annular wall by blending an antiseptic solution or material into apolymeric material and forming the annular wall therefrom.
 13. Theantiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the cap is a component of a capassembly, the cap assembly including a cap holder, the cap holderdefining a chamber sized to receive the cap.
 14. The antiseptic cap ofclaim 13, wherein the cap is removably attached to the cap holder. 15.The cap assembly of claim 13, further comprising a removable sealconfigured to engage the cap holder.
 16. The antiseptic cap of claim 1,wherein the cap is configured to rotatably engage a male luer.
 17. Theantiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein the base comprises sintered porousplastic material.
 18. The antiseptic cap of claim 1, wherein theantiseptic fluid is configured to be released onto the outer surface ofthe annular wall and the inner surface of the annular wall when the capis engaged to the male luer medical connector.